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Laurentian University Basketball Stars Shine with Prestigious OUA Awards

Laurentian University Basketball Stars Shine with Prestigious OUA Awards

(April 30, 2025) - In a testament to their dedication and athletic prowess, several talented basketball players from Laurentian University have been honored with prestigious awards from the Ontario University Athletics conference, recognizing their exceptional individual performances throughout this past season. 
 

Women’s basketball players Cadence Pecore (Porcupine, ON) and Émilie Lafond (Hanmer, ON) and men’s basketball players Nginyu Ngala (Montréal, QC) and Brice-Philippe Fandio (Marseille, FRA) were all recognized for their achievements.  
 

Pecore and Fandio were named to the OUA All-Rookie teams as well as Laurentian’s female and male Rookie of the Year recipients, while Lafond and Ngala earned all-star spots and were named the Voyageurs’ female and male Athletes of the Year. 
 

“When I first heard the news about making the OUA All-Rookie Team, I was incredibly excited and honoured,” Pecore said. “The OUA is an extremely competitive league with so many talented players, so stepping in as a first-year athlete wasn’t easy.”
 

Balancing the demands of varsity basketball while keeping up with studies is challenging for first-year players. Beyond keeping up with academics, Fandio says adapting to university life in general was a challenge he learned to navigate as the season went on.
 

“Adapting to life in Canada this year wasn’t easy, especially coming from Marseille, France. At first, it was tough being far from my mom and everything I knew but I feel like we have to make sacrifices in life if we are trying to achieve something big. Basketball really helped me stay grounded. On the court, I felt like myself. It gave me structure, confidence, and helped me connect with people here without needing to say much. I’m learning to embrace the discomfort, to adapt, and to turn it into strength,” Fandio said.
 

Lafond pointed to the opportunity to play in her hometown as too good to pass up, especially considering she was able to pursue a degree in her chosen field of Health Promotion. “Having had the opportunity to play so close to home has been nothing short of rewarding. I always looked up to the Laurentian University Women’s Basketball team, and now being a part of it is something that I will never forget or take for granted.”
 

For Pecore, Laurentian is the closest university to her hometown of Timmins. After finishing her high school career at Lo Ellen Park, she grew increasingly familiar with Laurentian’s women’s basketball program and decided it was the perfect fit once she was admitted to the University’s Physical Health and Education with Concurrent Education.
 

On the men’s side, Ngala shared his pride in his team when asked about this honour “I am most proud of how resilient this team was during the year, while playing in the toughest division in U Sports. There was a point late in this season where we lost four straight games. Everyone could have turned on one another and pointed fingers. Instead we came closer as a group and went on to win 4 out of 5 games left in the season. This gave us a playoff berth and allowed us to get our first playoff win since the 2019-2020 season.”

As far as advice for aspiring basketball players, Fandio shared they should “stay consistent and put in the work, especially when no one’s watching. Talent will only take you so far; it's the extra hours that make the difference. Stay coachable, be open to learning, and always look for ways to improve. Use every setback as motivation to come back stronger.” 

Wise beyond his years, Ngala offers that the next generation should aim to “be your biggest fan and biggest critic, there will always be adversity while playing basketball. Take every win like you take every loss and keep putting one foot forward.”

Laurentian basketball has a lot to be proud of from the 2024-2025 season, and a lot to look forward to looking ahead to next year. 

Sudbury’s Katie Taylor Looks Forward to First-Year at Laurentian

Sudbury’s Katie Taylor Looks Forward to First-Year at Laurentian

Incoming Concurrent Education student strives to make a difference for the next generation of learners

September 4, 2024 – The first day of class. For first-year students at Laurentian, it is a momentous day as they file into the first lectures of their postsecondary careers. Although this time can be intimidating, incoming student Katie Taylor is excited, prepped, and ready to begin her journey at Laurentian this fall.

Born and raised in Sudbury, Katie has felt connected to Laurentian from a young age. “I grew up at Laurentian,” she shares. “For years I have been attending community sports events like track meets and volleyball games on campus. With my sisters also having attended Laurentian, I spent a lot of time on campus visiting them. When it came time to choose a university, Laurentian felt like the natural choice, allowing me to stay close to family, go to a school that feels like home, and take the program that’s the best fit for me.”

Katie is taking the Concurrent Education program, majoring in English Literature, Media and Writing. After hearing positive feedback from others who completed Laurentian’s Concurrent Education program, she was drawn in by their experiences. “Everyone I know who took ConEd said that the professors are amazing, the small classes are ideal, and they learned a lot of valuable skills for teaching in particular.”

Katie expresses a deep connection to her programs. She says that writing has always been a creative outlet for her and she looks forward to sharing her love of reading and writing with her future students. “In high school I took courses outside of the mandatory ones to strengthen my writing abilities. I knew I wanted to pursue English in my career and that if I were to pursue teaching, English would be my focus.”

She was further inspired to pursue teaching by those who supported her when experiencing anxiety as a student. “I want to be the teacher who makes a difference. As an anxious kid growing up, school was a scary thing for me. I want to be the teacher who creates a safe environment and is a safe person for those kids. I had teachers who impacted me deeply and I hope to pass on their kindness and make a meaningful difference in the life of a student in the next generation.”

A graduate of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, Katie says many of her friends will also be going to Laurentian. “I know quite a few students who attended my high school who have also chosen Laurentian, going into other programs like nursing and biochemistry. I even have a couple of friends who are entering ConEd with me. I’m grateful to be able to share this new experience with my long-time friends.”

Katie describes her experience with registration as very positive. “Everyone at Laurentian has been very kind and helpful,” she shares. “The advisors are quick and thorough in answering questions and have really helped to reduce my stress surrounding the processes of signing up and getting prepared. When I needed guidance on choosing courses, I met with incredibly helpful staff and felt so well-supported as they walked me through the process.”

Overall, Katie says she’s really looking forward to the experience of being a student at Laurentian. She adds, “I’m very excited for the year to begin. Especially with the help I’ve received from Laurentian staff, I’m not afraid or stressed to start university. I know the transition can be challenging, but I’m feeling ready!”

With excitement and confidence, Katie Taylor is soon to start at Laurentian, surrounded by familiar faces and supported by a welcoming community. She will be joined by a diverse cohort of students at Laurentian as the academic semester begins with the first day of classes on September 4, 2024.

“There is no such thing as bad weather”

“There is no such thing as bad weather”

Whatever the weather, the dedication and bond of Laurentian University’s Cross Country Team knows no bounds.

March 28, 2024 - If you’ve ever wondered just who might have the courage to be running on a snow covered sidewalk down Paris Street during Sudbury’s winter weather, it might just be Angela Mozzon or Cameron Date.

The two have been members of the Cross Country team since their first year as Laurentian students in 2019. Five years in, you can find them on the track for competition or outside training in almost all conditions. Angela and Cameron’s love for running is evident in their discipline, time management, and dedication to the sport. 

Angela, 5th year Concurrent Education student and Health Promotion graduate, is from Sudbury and trained with Track North while attending St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Choosing Laurentian for her studies after high school was an effortless decision for Angela since both her older siblings were alumni but also because of the fast-track, five-year teaching program.

Cameron Date, 5th year Sports Administration (SPAD) graduate, is currently taking accounting courses as prerequisites to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Originally from Haileybury, Ontario, Cameron attended Timiskaming District Secondary School before enrolling in the SPAD program. “I chose Laurentian for the SPAD program. It is such a unique program where you study commerce and sports at the same time. I am on a first name basis with my professors and we have fun in class. I just don’t think you get that at a bigger school,” said Cameron.

The Laurentian Cross Country team trains throughout the year, though cross country competitions start in the fall outdoors and move indoors to track starting around January. Throughout the academic year, the team is traveling almost every weekend to universities around Ontario to compete.

The team spends three hours training, three evenings a week, and if they aren’t competing on weekends, they are training on a Saturday or Sunday. Although it can be challenging to juggle coursework, athletics, and their personal life, both runners agree that the sport is worth it. They emphasize the importance of discipline and passion in the life of a student athlete. “We are constantly running throughout the year to stay fit. Students who are passionate about running are really good at time management because they get used to prioritizing time to run,” said Cameron.

Angela and Cameron say that the cross country team has formed an incredibly strong bond on and off the track. “Our school’s team has something special. We spend time together even outside of practicing. Our coaches are so invested in us and our team is so tight. I have talked to runners from other schools and that isn’t the experience everywhere. Those bonds make us a stronger team and help us improve as individuals,” said Cameron. Angela agrees, saying, “I love the running but being on the team is more than running - it’s being a part of a family.”

In her first year, Angela faced adversity and did not perform to her expectations when competing at Ontario University Athletics (OUA). “I was finishing almost last and since then I’ve shaved almost five minutes off my time,” she says, reflecting on her improvement. “If it wasn’t for our coaches who focus on development and this being a small school, I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point.”

Evidence of their love for the team and the sport, the Laurentian Cross Country team runs in rain, shine, or snowstorms. “Running all together outside in the winter is a choice,” says Cameron. “Most of us prefer to run outside so even snow won’t stop us. It’s fun to run in the snow with a group of friends instead of running on a treadmill in the gym.” The team recently ran through the city streets during a major snowstorm on a busy Saturday in Sudbury’s south end. Angela admits, “It wasn’t the fastest run that day but we had fun with it.” The two say that it is common for friends and family to not understand their hunger for running no matter the time of day or the conditions outside.

Having reached the end of his studies, Cameron will start working at a local accounting firm full time this spring but he says he will never stop running. Angela plans to stay at Laurentian for another year to make up for one year of competitive running that she lost to the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and is considering taking a masters program.

LU Cheerleading team prepares to compete at Cheer Evolution Winterfest

LU Cheerleading team prepares to compete at Cheer Evolution Winterfest

Cheer team passionate about spreading pride

(January 17, 2023) - Laurentian University’s sports teams have a strong community of supporters. No matter the sport, when one attends a Voyageurs game, there is sure to be enthusiasm from the sidelines. This enthusiasm is amplified by Laurentian’s Cheerleading team, a group of twenty-three hardworking students dedicated to spreading Laurentian pride. 

Marlina Forgione, a fourth year Concurrent Education student, is this year’s Cheer Captain. She collaborates with Mikylie McClean, the team’s Cheer Coach, to guide the team as they perform routines at half-time shows for Voyageurs men’s and women’s basketball teams. The team also cheered for lacrosse athletes during their final game of the 2022 season. They are optimistic for future opportunities to cheer for a variety of Laurentian sports teams and events. 

The Cheer team is now preparing for their own competition - Cheer Evolution Winterfest, a cheerleading event that will take place at the Leon’s Centre in Kingston, Ontario on March 4, 2023.

As team leaders, Marlina and Mikylie organize team practices and choreograph half-time performances. Having joined the Cheer team in her first year as a Laurentian student, Marlina looks back fondly at her experience: “I have made so many friends, met so many people, and have had a lot of fun. In high school, I had an amazing community, and joining the cheerleading team at Laurentian supported my sense of community.” Marlina described that she is passionate not only about cheer but also about gymnastics. 

“From the first practice, you could feel a sense of togetherness and family amongst team members. We continuously work together to improve as a unit, and we are passionate about this,” added Marlina. “As team captain, this has been incredible to be a part of.” 

For those interested in joining the Laurentian Cheer team, tryouts occur every September and all are welcome. “Your skill level doesn't matter. Just come try out and do your best,” encouraged Marlina. 

For more information about the team, visit their Instagram page or e-mail lucheerteam@gmail.com.

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Students develop workplace skills.

(September 6, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Work Study program, organized by the CareerHub within the Student Success Centre offers students a variety of part-time employment opportunities across campus. The program fosters a wide range of skills relevant to the workplace. 

Speaking about the impact of Work Study, Student Employment Advisor, Andrew Dale explains: “This program is here to service students and support the development of work experience in productive and meaningful ways.” While Work Study students contribute to the values and mission of the University, the program was developed keeping in mind first and foremost, the student experience.

Supervisors also play an important role in the success of Work Study because “great supervisors help students reflect on their experiences throughout the work term, and help them find fulfillment in these experiences,” said Dale. 

Program eligibility is based on financial need, course enrolment, domestic student status, and the submission of a Work Study application. 

Fourth-year Concurrent Education and English student, Mia Tucker, said that working as the Communications Intern this spring and summer, has been rewarding: “I have learned so many new skills and workplace values that will be beneficial in my career once I graduate. I am glad I am able to work for my university and, in turn, help this amazing community at Laurentian continue to grow. Being a part of something bigger is a really nice feeling to have in your workplace.”

When it comes to 2022-2023 fall and winter semesters, Work Study applications are well underway. There are over 100 student positions available, all designed with the idea that students have a range of talents and interests. Positions are offered in a variety of departments such as Liaison Services, Accessibility Services, Counseling and Wellness, Student Success, Campus Recreation and more. Research positions are also available across Laurentian faculties. 

To Ana Tremblay, fourth-year History student, Peer Advisor, and part-time employee who supports the Work Study program: “My employment through Work Study has given me the opportunity to explore my professional interests while also prioritizing my studies. I've also been able to better understand and advocate for student needs because of the work I support in my position.” Tremblay also serves as the Student General Associations’ Vice President of Education and President of Pride Laurentian. 

Other services offered by the CareerHub include job postings, internship opportunities, careers fairs, employment counselling, job search support, resume, cover letter and interview advising, and employment and career workshops.  

To learn more about the Work Study program, email: workstudy@laurentian.ca.
 

Laurentian Voyageurs summer camps attract local youth

Laurentian Voyageurs summer camps attract local youth

Camps promote leadership and teambuilding skills in support of youth development.

(August 12, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Voyageurs summer youth camps, operated by the Campus Recreation team, offer unique childcare services that promote the development of youth through a variety of activities. Voyageurs camps began in early July, and are offered through September 3rd. So far this summer, the camps have welcomed hundreds of youth on campus who have gained leadership and teambuilding skills.

For ages six to thirteen, outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp alternate weekly. Outdoor adventure camp offers diverse outdoor activities that include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wilderness survival training (shelter building, starting a campfire, tying knots, etc). Multi-sport camp offers a variety of indoor and outdoor sporting activities including floor hockey, basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, badminton, volleyball and squash.

Mini Voyageurs camp, for ages four to five, is offered all summer long and includes a combination of outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp activities as well as initiatives that collectively promote teamwork and creativity.

Voyageurs summer camps also offer sport-specific camps in basketball, soccer, and baseball. These camps are led by Laurentian sports team coaches and athletes. Participating youth learn sporting rules and techniques, as well as how to be a good team player and accept defeat. All camps utilize facilities available on campus which includes four full sized gymnasiums, two squash courts, a beach volleyball court, a challenge course (called the Tango tower), three soccer fields, and four tennis courts.

Camps are made possible not only by Campus Recreation staff but by Laurentian students who are “camp counselors,” promoting teamwork and resilience amongst campers while ensuring the safest possible environment for all camp activities. Camps also accepts high school student volunteers to assist with the planning and execution of camp activities, an excellent means for students to complete community service hours.

About the dedication of camp counselors, Jean Benoit, Campus Recreation Coordinator, said: “The counselors are students who really, really care and are there for the kids. They put in so many more hours than what you see during the day. They are patient and they work hard.”

Shaelynne Wallace, Voyageurs camp counselor and third-year Concurrent Education student, described that she is passionate about working with participating campers: “Every year I love watching the children try new things, get out of their comfort zones, and make new friendships and memories. Working at camp has helped me to be able to think quickly on my feet, grow in my leadership skills and learn to collaborate ideas with different people. Working at summer camp is really the best way to spend your summer!”

To learn more about Voyageurs summer youth camps, please contact Campus Recreation Coordinator, Jean Benoit at campusrec@laurentian.ca or visit the Laurentian University Voyageurs website or Facebook page.

Student General Association elect 2022-2023 leadership

Student General Association elect 2022-2023 leadership

Avery Morin voted President of student association.

(May 3, 2022) - Recently, the Student General Association (SGA-AGÉ) held its annual elections for incoming 2022-2023 leadership. Avery Morin, who begins her 3rd year in Behavioural Neuroscience and Concurrent Education this Fall, is the incoming SGA-AGÉ President. She and other elected student leaders will begin their new roles in June:

  • Ana Tremblay as Vice President Education: 4th year History student, minoring in Religious Studies
  • Emma Lelievre as Vice President Finance: 4th year Sports Administration student
  • Olivia Broomer as Vice President Student Life: 4th year Indigenous Social Work student

Since the SGA-AGÉ’s inception in 1960, they have advocated for their members at various administrative and government levels. In addition to their political work by and for students, they organize activities and events that help foster a sense of community amongst students. Morin and the 2022-2023 incoming leadership team hope to increase in-person student engagement in a post-pandemic world, and expand on the new SGA-AGÉ owned clothing store, Du North, located on the second floor of the R.D.-Parker building. “We also hope to promote gender equality, especially through our all female executive team,” explained Morin. 

Dr. Robert Haché, Laurentian’s President and Vice-Chancellor is looking forward to working with incoming student leaders: “Students and their success is the number one priority for us all at Laurentian. Student associations contribute exponentially to the student experience, and I applaud incoming leaders for their commitment to their peers. I have always appreciated the significant contributions of our student leaders, they play a critical role within Laurentian University."

Speaking more generally about the value of student leadership, Morin said: “Student leadership is important to me because I'm able to make a difference in not only my local Laurentian community but also to post secondary education across the province. I've loved every second of my advocacy work so far and have learned that the student voice always has a seat at the table no matter how big or small the decisions are. As SGA-AGÉ President I hope to use my leadership role to uplift and amplify all student voices and make a positive change in the student experience.”

For students interested in getting involved with the SGA-AGÉ, by-elections will be held early in the Fall semester of 2022. The Association des étudiantes et étudiants (AEF) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) will also be holding by-election in the Fall semester.